Max Johnson, the young man whose life inspired a change in organ donation laws following a Mirror campaign, recently marked his 18th birthday. Expressing eternal gratitude to the family of Keira Ball, the girl who saved him, Max celebrated the milestone with friends, reflecting on the precious gift of life he received through Keira’s heart donation at Newcastle Freeman Hospital.
In response to Max’s story of an eight-month wait for a donor, Prime Minister Theresa May supported the Mirror’s call for new legislation on organ donation, resulting in the ‘Change the Law for Life’ campaign five years ago. The law, named Max and Keira’s Law, now presumes adults in England as organ donors unless they choose to ‘opt out,’ eliminating the need for donor cards and expected to save numerous lives annually.
Max, who commemorates Keira during special occasions like Christmas and their operation anniversary in August 2017, expressed eternal gratitude. Celebrating his birthday with friends, including his first legal pint, Max has transitioned to adult services at Freeman Hospital, impressing his family with his resilience.
Joe Ball’s decision to donate Keira’s organs after her tragic passing in 2017 saved Max’s life and three others. Max’s heart transplant, captured in the BBC documentary “A Chance to Live,” highlighted the significance of Keira’s gift. Max acknowledged the Balls’ generosity and the Mirror’s role in the new legislation, emphasizing the impact of their actions.
For more information on organ donation in the UK, click the provided link.